Reviews | Royal Collection | Museum Conservator

TESTIMONIALS

"We are delighted with Claire's work on the frame, the result is amazing! The transformation is truly incredible."

Mark Herrod, Executive Director, Lamport Hall & Gardens

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"I recently entrusted my cherished family heirloom, a 60 year old oil painting, to Claire and the results were beyond my expectations. The piece had suffered significant wear over the years, with water damage and nicotine staining affecting its beauty. After the restoration, it felt like the painting had come back to life! Every detail was meticulously brought back, while still preserving the original character and history of the artwork. Claire’s attention to detail, expertise, and passion for the craft were evident throughout the entire process. I’m incredibly grateful for their work and would highly recommend Claire to anyone looking to preserve or revive their art."

Private client

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"May I say how pleased I am with the picture frame conservation/restoration work you have recently carried out for me. I found you explained what you advised very clearly and provided a very fair quotation which you stuck to.

When the job was finished, the report of what you had done, plus photos of the various stages of the work as it progressed, were both a useful bonus.

The work, itself, was carried out to a high standard and I would have no hesitation in using your services again, should I need them or, indeed, recommending you to a friend."

Private client

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"I was thrilled with the sensitive and subtle conservation work Claire and Belgrave Conservation undertook for me on this pair of pedestals, which are very close to the work of Mayhew and Ince. For some inexplicable reason, although they retained their original painted decoration in almost all the key areas and the recessed panels, someone in the late 19th/ early 20th Century had taken it upon themselves to paint a vivid yellow on top of the surrounding panels to one side….Claire brilliantly removed this and then matched in the painted surface to blend with the original decoration – and as a result, we now have a harmonious pair of pedestals that feel as though they are in almost 'untouched country house condition’ – which is exactly the look I wanted. I could not recommend the result more highly."

Private commission at Burghley House

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"I worked with Claire at the Birmingham Museums Trust. She is a brilliant frame conservator and restorer and brought many Old Master and Georgian frames back from the brink. She is highly skilled and experienced and I have no hesitation in recommending her."

Brendan Flynn, former Curator of Fine Art at Birmingham Museums Trust

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“I would highly recommend Belgrave Conservation. Claire took painstaking care over the conservation of three picture frames for us, two of which were very large and in quite a shabby state, their ornate mouldings having been damaged and missing in places. Thanks to Claire’s expertise they have all been restored to their former glory and have been put back on display.”

Dr Samantha Howard, Curator of Arts, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, City of Stoke-on-Trent

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"Claire has worked on number of frames for my studio, for private and institutional clients. The work ranged from minimal conservation to full restoration, including structural repairs. I have also commissioned her to make new or replacement frames for restored paintings, in an appropriate historical style. Her work is of a very high standard, tailored to the brief, budget, setting and the object. Claire is open to discussion, communicates clearly and adheres to conservation ethics. As part of this, she also provides meticulous documentation in writing and photographs."

Ruth Bubb Ltd. (A practise specialising in the conservation of easel paintings)

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"Belgrave Conservation undertook the complete conservation of a pair of early oak ebonised frames for two late 17 th / early 18th English portraits. The frames were in poor condition, the joints were loose, the frame members split, with wood losses, missing and delaminating gesso and damage to the gilded sight edge.

The conservation was carried out with sensitivity, and technical expertise, achieving a very good result and we will certainly be asking Claire to work on further projects for the Studio in the future."

Diana Roberts MA, Director, Mark Roberts Conservation Ltd

(A practise specialising in the conservation of easel paintings)

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"Claire worked for the Royal Collection between 2001 and 2003 at a time when the major focus was on the preparation of the opening of the new Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace for the Golden Jubilee in 2002. She worked on a number of significant frames and was noted for her attention to detail, quality of finish and toning. Claire was delightful to work with and her lively personality and commitment to her work and desire to achieve high standards made her an exemplary employee of the Royal Household."

David Wheeler, Senior Decorative Arts Conservator, Royal Collection Trust

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Liam Neilson, Private Owner